After undergoing the most ambitious restoration in its history, the InterContinental New York Barclay remains Manhattan’s preeminent luxury hotel. Combining sophistication and contemporary design, while staying true to its original American Colonial decor and Federalist style details, The Barclay exudes confidence and warmth, delivering the same residential feel with modern comfort and flexibility introduced to the world in 1926.

Of the countless skyscrapers visible from the Empire State Building’s observation deck, this one may be the most romantic. The Chrysler Building is a true Art Deco monument, its polished chromium nickel gleaming even when the sky’s cloudy. Keep your eyes peeled for the stainless-steel eagle gargoyles roosting on the 59th and 61st floors.

Once the tallest building in the world, this 102-story, limestone-and-granite-covered monolith is constantly awash in colored lights. On a clear day, views from the 86th-floor observation deck stretch as far as Massachusetts.

A striking triangular sliver, this historic landmark of the so-called Ladies’ Mile fans outward from Fifth Avenue to Broadway, with its rounded, prow-like front measuring only six feet across. Shaped like an old-fashioned iron, the building has been captured by photographers Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Steichen, and countless tourists.

The unusual spiral shape of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece has been luring visitors since 1959. Gaze up the inner spiral ramp to catch Wright’s take on the rigid geometry of modernist architecture. Circular shapes repeat throughout the building, from the spiraling rotunda to the oval columns.

At 16.3 acres, it is the largest performing-arts facility in the world, and the site of soaring structures that radiate around a glorious signature fountain, used to great romantic effect in Moonstruck.

Not only is the building itself an impressive feat, but the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden, open May through late fall, is one of the most unique outdoor sculpture spaces in the city. It is also where museum goers grab a drink and enjoy the incredible views of Central Park.

This nineteen-building complex in midtown is rife with photo opportunities. Around the winter holidays, there is the Art Deco GE building and its adjoining sunken ice rink overseen by Paul Manship’s golden statue Prometheus — not to mention the enormous Christmas tree and Radio City Music Hall’s brightly lit façade. Views of the Empire State Building and far beyond beckon from the 70th-floor viewing platform, known as Top of the Rock.

Located across from Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the city’s most spectacular architectural sights, modeled in a mélange of Gothic revival styles with two soaring, 330-foot-tall spires.

Visitors always flock to see the biggest Broadway shows, shop at mega-stores, dine at over-the-top, themed restaurants, or just gaze up at the giant screens and billboards that illuminate the sky, day and night.